Olivadotti to Coach Redskins' Linebackers

Network News

The Washington Redskins named longtime assistant Kirk Olivadotti their linebackers coach yesterday, one day after firing Dale Lindsey. Lindsey coached the linebackers for all three years of Coach Joe Gibbs's second regime, while Olivadotti, 33, has gradually advanced since joining the organization in 2000.

Olivadotti has spent his entire seven-year NFL career with the Redskins. He joined the team in 2000 as a quality control coach, as well as assisting with the defensive backs. In 2004, in addition to serving as the defensive quality control coach, he assisted Danny Smith with special teams. This past season, Olivadotti worked with the defensive line and continued to assist with special teams.

"Kirk is an extremely bright young coach that has earned this opportunity," Gibbs said in a statement released by the team. "He has proven himself with every step he has taken with the Redskins and he will provide continuity to our linebacker position."

Olivadotti's coaching career began at the collegiate level, when he worked with wide receivers and tight ends at Maine Maritime for one season (1997). He moved to Indiana State for two years (1998-99), and then Saint Joseph's for one season before moving to the NFL. Olivadotti's father, Tom, was a longtime NFL defensive coach.

"I appreciate the opportunities Mr. [Daniel] Snyder and the Redskins organization have provided me over the past seven years," Olivadotti said in a statement. "I look forward to taking on the new responsibilities that come with this position and the chance to work under Coach Gibbs and Coach [Gregg] Williams."